# Targeting the blood–brain barrier with phytochemicals to attenuate vascular cognitive impairment: mechanisms and therapeutic potential across etiologies

## TL;DR

This paper explores how phytochemicals can help treat vascular cognitive impairment by targeting the blood-brain barrier.

## Contribution

The paper introduces phytochemicals as multi-target agents for preserving the blood-brain barrier and treating vascular cognitive impairment.

## Key findings

- Phytochemicals can preserve blood-brain barrier integrity and reduce neuroinflammation.
- Low bioavailability and poor blood-brain barrier permeability hinder phytochemical clinical use.
- Targeted delivery systems are needed to improve phytochemical efficacy in treating vascular cognitive impairment.

## Abstract

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), a cognitive disorder arising from cerebrovascular pathology, currently lacks effective targeted therapies. Dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) represents a pivotal event in VCI pathogenesis, characterized by tight junction degradation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Phytochemicals—including polyphenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides—demonstrate promising multi-target potential in ameliorating VCI by preserving BBB integrity, mitigating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, exerting neuroprotective effects, and modulating the gut–brain axis. However, the clinical translation of these compounds is currently impeded by low bioavailability and limited BBB permeability. Prioritizing the development of targeted delivery systems is essential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and clinical utility of phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of VCI.

Targeting the blood-brain barrier with phytochemicals to attenuate vascular cognitive impairment.Flowchart illustrating the relationship between VCI, BBB, and Phytochemicals. VCI includes definition, epidemiology, and public health challenges, linked to stroke, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and aging. BBB encompasses structure, function, and VCI pathophysiology. Phytochemicals address maintaining and repairing BBB structure, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neuroprotection, and the brain-gut axis. It also highlights potential advantages, challenges, limitations, and future research directions.

Targeting the blood-brain barrier with phytochemicals to attenuate vascular cognitive impairment.